Head-to-head comparison
Amherst College vs. Pomona College
Real published data on acceptance rates, cost, and outcomes. Side by side.
Calculate your odds at bothIs Amherst or Pomona harder to get into?
Pomona is harder to get into than Amherst. Pomona's 7.1% acceptance rate is lower than Amherst's 9.0%.
Which is cheaper, Amherst or Pomona?
Pomona costs less on average. After grants and scholarships, Pomona's average net price is $19,285 vs $23,367 at Amherst.
Which has higher post-graduation earnings?
Pomona graduates earn more on average. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $77,644 at Amherst and $77,779 at Pomona.
Full Comparison
| Metric | Amherst | Pomona |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 9.0% | 7.1% |
| SAT mid-50% | 1490–1580 | 1490–1560 |
| ACT mid-50% | 33–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost of attendance | $87,640 | $85,300 |
| Avg net price (after aid) | $23,367 | $19,285 |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,911 | 1,666 |
| 6-yr graduation rate | 93.9% | 93.2% |
| Median earnings (10yr) | $77,644 | $77,779 |
| Setting | Amherst, Massachusetts | Claremont, California |
Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS) and school-published admit cycle data. Last verified May 2026.
The Real Differences
Pomona is modestly harder to get into. The 1.9-point gap matters at the margin but doesn't change the overall difficulty tier. Both schools draw similar applicant pools and admit similar profiles.
Geographic difference matters more than the campus tour suggests. Amherst is in Amherst, Massachusetts; Pomona is in Claremont, California. Climate, cost-of-living, and proximity to job markets in your target field shape the four-year experience and post-grad pipeline more than most prospective students realize.
Student Body Composition
The two schools have different student body compositions. Amherst is 54.9% women, 13.1% international, and 16.5% Asian-American. Pomona is 55.2% women, 13.7% international, and 18.7% Asian-American.
| Demographic | Amherst | Pomona |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 54.9% | 55.2% |
| International | 13.1% | 13.7% |
| White | 36.4% | 28.3% |
| Asian | 16.5% | 18.7% |
| Hispanic | 13.8% | 17.2% |
| Black | 8.9% | 9.2% |
Personalized estimate
What are your odds at Amherst vs. Pomona?
Get a probability for both schools calibrated to your full profile, not the headline rate.
Run the calculatorThe Verdict
Pick Amherst if
- Your odds are realistic at Amherst (slightly easier admit)
- Higher 6-year graduation rate
- the open curriculum
Pick Pomona if
- Net price matters: Pomona costs $4,082 less per year on average
- Higher median post-grad earnings ($77,779 vs $77,644)
- the Claremont Consortium
Headline numbers favor one school or the other on each axis, but neither is unambiguously “better.” The right answer depends on your major fit, geographic preference, financial need, and personal odds at each. Most applicants who get into one of these schools also get into the other.
Full School Pages
For complete admissions data, supplemental essay strategy, and class profile breakdowns:
Full profile
Amherst College
9.0% accept · Amherst, Massachusetts
Full profile
Pomona College
7.1% accept · Claremont, California
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard for acceptance rates, test ranges, financial aid, demographics, completion, and earnings.
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) for the underlying federal data.
- Each school's most recent published Common Data Set for cycle-specific admissions stats.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect each school's most recent publicly published admit cycle.